For Immediate Release: May 14, 2008
Sutton Introduces Resolution Calling on Army to End “Stop-Loss” Program
Policy has hurt military families and has potential to damage recruiting
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last week, Congresswoman Betty Sutton introduced House
Resolution 1177 in the House, urging the Army to end its "Stop-Loss" Program
and honor the contracts of soldiers who have honored their own commitment to
our country.
"The Army's use of `stop-loss' orders undermines the
voluntary nature of military service and is unfair to our men and women in
uniform and their families who have already sacrificed so much for our
country," said Sutton.
Since September 19, 2001, nearly 45,000 members of the Armed
Forces have had their service involuntarily extended by stop-loss orders.
The number of soldiers subject to stop-loss orders has risen sharply since the
Pentagon extended combat tours from 12 to 15 months last year. Under current
policy, if a soldier is scheduled to deploy within 90 days of the end of his
commitment, the Army may issue a stop-loss order to retain the soldier in the
military for the length of the deployment, and up to another 90 days after the
unit returns to its home base.
"Policies such as stop-loss may enable the Army to maintain
the size of its force in the short run, but are harmful to long term recruiting
efforts. Instead of involuntarily retaining soldiers, the Army should
support policies such as the new GI Bill, which will increase educational
benefits for members of the military and be an effective recruitment tool,"
Sutton said.
There are currently 12 cosponsors of H. Res. 1177.
Contact: Erin Donar at 202-225-3401 or Erin.Donar@mail.house.gov